Assemblymembers Receiving Contributions From Building Interests Able to Prevent Slashing of Redevelopment Funds

Owen Poindexter|March 29, 2011

March 29, 2011 - The California Assembly failed to pass SB 77 by the necessary 2/3 threshold on March 16, 2011. The measure would have eliminated redevelopment agencies in California and allowed Gov. Jerry Brown to use the previously dedicated funds to help balance the budget.

Every Democrat in the Assembly voted in favor, joined by only one Republican, Chris Norby of Fullerton. Three Republicans did not vote, and the remaining 23 voted against the bill (there is one vacancy in the chamber, State Assembly District 4).

Interest groups that oppose this bill gave 4.5 times as much on average to Assembly Republicans that voted NO ($17,129) as they gave to Assembly Republicans that voted YES ($3,800).

Interest groups that support this bill gave 2.7 times as much on average to all Assemblymembers that voted YES ($36,901) as they gave to all Assemblymembers that voted NO ($13,732).

The issue of redevelopment agencies saw a split amongst unions: the California Professional Firefighters, the California Teachers Association, and the Service Employees International Union all supported while the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the State Building and Construction Trades Council both opposed the measure.

Includes reported contributions to campaigns of Assemblymembers in office on day of vote, from interest groups invested in the vote according to MAPLight.org, January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2010. Contributions data source: FollowTheMoney.org.